Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, recorded fresh successes against terrorists and armed criminals in Kaduna and Kano States on August 25 and 26, 2026, rescuing two kidnap victims and recovering 94 rustled livestock in a series of coordinated operations.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops of Sector 1 first clashed with terrorists on August 25 while carrying out a clearance operation in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The terrorists attempted to ambush the advancing soldiers but were repelled and forced to flee after troops responded with superior firepower. A motorcycle abandoned by the fleeing gunmen was recovered during a subsequent search of the area.
In a separate incident the same day, troops responded to a distress call reporting the abduction of three civilians and the rustling of livestock around Hayin Babangida in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Soldiers tracked and engaged the assailants, rescuing two female victims who have since been reunited with their families. However, a male victim was found with a gunshot wound believed to have been inflicted by the terrorists and died while being evacuated for medical treatment.
Meanwhile, in Kano State, troops moved against terrorists who had rustled livestock from a community in Gwarzo Local Government Area on August 25. The gunmen abandoned the stolen animals and scattered after troops caught up with them and overpowered them with heavy firepower. A follow-up search on August 26 led to the recovery of additional livestock, bringing the total number recovered to 94 — comprising 57 cows and 37 sheep. The animals have since been returned to their owners in the presence of security agencies and local government officials.
The Joint Task Force said the operations reflect its resolve to sustain pressure on terrorist and criminal networks while safeguarding lives and property across the North West region. It reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-led operations, aggressive patrols and rapid responses to threats facing communities in the area.
The force also commended residents for their cooperation and urged the public to remain vigilant, calling for the prompt reporting of suspicious activities to security agencies as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore lasting peace in the North West.
